MANILA - The New NAIA Infra Corp (NNIC), which operates the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, said it has averted what could have been a waterless airport this November 1.

NNIC earlier announced a scheduled water service interruption conducted by water utility firm Maynilad from 2 p.m. of Nov. 1 to 6 a.m. of Nov. 2. The service interruption will affect parts of Pasay, Parañaque, and Muntinlupa due to repair and maintenance at the Putatan and Poblacion water treatment plants. Areas affected included NAIA Terminal 3.

But the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA), regulator of NAIA, said there is still water supply in toilets due to the contingency measures done by NNIC. This was about an hour after the start of the scheduled water service interruption.

"Meron pa naman water na lumalabas sa ating mga faucet. To my understanding maganda ang preparation ng NNIC," said Chris Bendijo, MIAA Spokesperson.

NNIC General Manager Angelito Alvarez also relayed to ABS-CBN the message of NAIA's maintenanace chief. 

Alvarez said, "Meron pa din water supply ang Maynilad... Medyo bumaba lang ng konti ang pressure. Pero we can manage. Marami tayong naka standby na water tanks ready to refill."

NNIC has said they will use the terminal's water reserves of about 3.2 million liters, enough for a few days depending on usage. Bendijo added that this amount is sufficient to serve NAIA during the expected 16-hour water shutdown.

Bendijo added there are fewer passengers at NAIA this November 1 and 2, which will also lessen the usage of water at the terminal.

"Hindi ganoon kataas yung passenger movement for today. Siguro that will also help na mabawasan yung water consumption," said Bendijo.

He still urges passengers to conserve water and hopes repair works will be completed as soon as possible.